Mt Norquay's Via Ferrata

Hankering for a little more adventure? Climb Banff's ONLY Via Ferrata (Italian for the Iron Path) Our "Via Ferrata" is the first new experience in the National Park in recent history and a must add to your bucket list. It's a different kind of climbing – lead by a certified guide, you'll make your way up the cliffs above the ski area assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. The exposure is real, but so is the safety. No climbing experience necessary for your time on the Norquay rocks. All you need to have is the physical ability to climb a ladder, an appreciation for the outdoors and a spirit for adventure. An exhilarating experience, Norquay's Via Ferrata comes complete with jaw dropping views, a unique perspective on the environment and a memory of Banff that will last a lifetime. We have four different tour options to suit your time and tastes. Step out of your comfort zone and try our Explorer Route where you'll spend some time with your guide and get introduced to the equipment, head up a few pitches and cross the suspension bridge. To get a greater feel for heights, exposure and the full Via Ferrata experience, become a Ridgewalker! This route is a four hour excursion that takes you high up on the Norquay cliffs, climbing Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses and of course traversing the suspension bridge. The two longer routes, the “Skyline” and “Summiteer” (five and six hours respectively) are the pinnacle of Norquay's Via Ferrata adventure. These two routes take a more challenging route top the summit ridge, both closing a massive 400 foot suspension bridge and climb a vertical ladder suspended off of the cliffs. The Summiteer continues on up the East summit ridge, crossing an additional 3-wire suspension bridge over an impressive chasm. Experience mind-melting 360-degree views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as you enjoy lunch on the East Summit of Mt Norquay (2450m). The Summiteer tour includes an alpinist lunch on the summit ridge and a beverage and charcuterie platter at the Cliffhouse bistro on return. All routes include your safety equipment and helmet. Please plan on wearing hiking shoes and bring a small day pack. Day packs, Hiking boots and rain wear are available at no charge at Mt Norquay if required. Sightseeing: Chairlift open: 9:00am – 6:00pm daily June 19 - September 10:00am – 6:00pm daily September 8 - October 12 Cliffhouse open: 10:00am – 6:30pm daily June 19 to October 12 Cliffhouse Food Service: 11:00am – 5:30pm daily June 19 to October 12 Costs: Adult (18+) $39.00 Child (6 -15) $25.00 Family (2 adults, 2 children) $115 Children 5 and under FREE (Minimum age 2 years to ride the chairlift). Via Ferrata: A sightseeing chairlift ticket & all gear included in the following prices: Explorer Route (2.5hr) tours go at 9:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 3:30 pm: Costs $175 Ridgewalker Route (4hr) tours go at 9:00 am | 10 am | 10:30 pm | 11 am | 1:30 pm | 2:00 pm | 2:30 pm: Costs $225 Skyline Route (5hr) tours go at 9:30 am: Cost $290 Summiteer Route (6hr) tours go at 9 am | 10 am: Cost $365 Explorer and Ridgewalker - Minimum age 12 years AND must weigh at least 80lbs (36kgs) Skyline and Summiteer – Minimum 14 years AND must weigh at least 80lbs (36kg) Non-climbers can also take the same chairlift for sightseeing only. Please see open hours and costs below. OPEN: June 19th – September 9th 2018: 9 am – 7:30 pm September 10th – October 8th 2018: 10 am – 6 pm COST: Adult (16+) $39.00 Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children) $115.00 Child (6 -15) $25.00 Child (2-5) Free Prices exclude GST. (NOTE: No transportation from Banff is available in 2020 due to COVID-19)